Helena Woods's video: Why I m Not a Minimalist - You Can Live a Simple Life Without Being a Minimalist

Minimalism is often associated with simple, slow living and I want to share my thoughts on why the two aren't mutually exclusive. You can live a simple life without being a minimalist. You can live simply, frugally, mindfully and slow without being into minimalism. A little bit on my story with minimalism! On New Years Eve of 2016 I stumbled upon the Minimalism documentary by The Minimalists and Matt D'Avella on Netflix and quickly became obsessed with minimalism. I purchased and read all of Ryan and Joshua's books and they were the very first podcast I ever listened to and binged! I went through 3 years of decluttering and buying only what I "needed" or loved because I resonated with the values associated with minimalism. Each week I would purge an item or two I didn't need and reminded my family to not get me any material items for birthdays/holidays/wedding - just experiences. I even used to document my "throw out 100 things" challenges on my blog! But then I realized a problem with minimalism, several in fact. And while I relate and connect with the underlying core values of minimalism ("love people, not things" as The Minimalists often share), I also realized it's not an either/or scenario. You can love people, and also really enjoy and love things too! :) In this video, I share why minimalism, when taken to the extreme as it is often portrayed in media and entertainment, can be harmful to our planet and why you can love living simply without following the trends of minimalism. It's not black or white: you can love people...and also love things that bring you joy. :) Much love and a warm hug, Helena! :) P.S. I filmed and scheduled this video a few weeks prior to New Years but I still wanted to get this video out to you...even if it is a little late! ♥ CONNECT WITH ME! » Support me on Patreon ( and see my vlogs!) - https://www.patreon.com/helenawoods » Receive personal notes from me via email - https://bit.ly/35jjhEe » Simple Joys FB group - https://bit.ly/34rZtzm » Simple Joys MUSIC Playlist - https://spoti.fi/37CjIdY ♥ MORE OF MY VIDEOS: ○ Misconceptions of Slow Simple Living - https://bit.ly/2zIJKPZ ○ How to Add More Stillness to Your Day - https://bit.ly/3kehfv6 ○ Slow Living Essential Habits - https://bit.ly/3bhE4Ld ○ Slow Living in France - https://bit.ly/3jU0Mww ○ Sensuality: Slow Living Made Easy - https://bit.ly/3c59vHe ○ What if All You Want is a Simple Life? - https://bit.ly/36EsaIT ♥ Things I LOVE That Bring Me Simple Joys! all my favorite things in one place, including books, journals and my gear/filmingequipment! » https://helenawoods.com/favorites ♥READ ABOUT MY LIFE IN FRANCE » https://helenawoods.com/category/expa... ♥ WHERE TO FIND ME » Read my blog - https://helenawoods.com/blog/ » Shop my life - https://www.helenawoods.com/favorites » Photography Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HelenaWoodsPhotography » Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/mshelenawoods » Spotify - https://bit.ly/34rZtzm ♥ MUSIC I use Epidemic Sounds in all my films: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/t7z8q9/ 30-day free trial NOTE: This video is not sponsored. This description may contain affiliate links, but I never recommend products that I don’t love and use myself! :) WHO IS THIS GAL? Hey! I'm Helena! I make videos on slow living in a way that isn't slow. Originally from California, I now live in the countryside of France. My goal is to uplift and inspire others to find simple joys in their everyday. I create energizing videos about simplicity and joy, and how you can integrate a more simple, slow and playful lifestyle. By grounding ourselves and finding simple appreciations in the present moment, it is far easier to be more connected to life! We can just “be" and have so much more fun along the way! I celebrate a non-achievement-chasing lifestyle, ie. your worth is not your work. In the busyness of our world, I am passionate about connecting others who wish to find joy and fulfillment in simplicity...in a life that's not tied to striving and chasing after things outside of us but rather seeking joy from within. Because when we get the inside right, the outside falls into place. Sending you much love & a warm hug, Helena!